Landscapes, Moai and Starry Nights
Chile, a long thin country that is probably not the most spoken about country for backpackers and combined with a pricier situation often makes Chile a less chosen option. However, Chile has some incredibly unique experiences that any backpacker should put on their list!
This backpacking Chile travel guide gives you tips on activities to do, route suggestions, budget and safety tips to help you plan your trip to this diverse country!
How much time do I need?
For Chile I recommend spending a few weeks. If you want to do everything from the North to the South and maybe even a trip to Easter Island that will easily take you upwards of a month. Three weeks might be the sweet spot to include as much of the country as possible in the shortest amount of time. From hiking in the South, to city life in the capital and landscapes in the North, you get all that Chile has to offer.
Routes
For those arriving in the North you’ll most likely start in San Pedro de Atacama, a perfect first stop coming from Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. From there head to the coast and Antofogasta if you want to break up a long journey before heading south to the capital Santiago. This is a good time to see Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, either as a day tour or overnight.
If you plan on visiting Easter Island (see our guide), Santiago is also the only option for flights. For those planning on exploring southern Chile, head down to Pucon or straight to Puerto Natales for a place to base yourself out of before hiking Torres del Paine National Park for a spectacular time with amazing landscapes!
If you arrive from the South do the above route in reverse, or if you fly in and out of Santiago, choose to go North or South before heading back.
Top Activities in Chile
Chile has plenty of activities to do, and many are some of the most memorable experiences you can find on the Gringo Trail. Here are some of my absolute favourites!
Valley of the Moon
In San Pedro de Atacama you cannot miss a trip to the Valley of the Moon. This place is home to an insane landscape that makes you feel like an astronaut exploring the universe! Check your hostel or a local travel agency for the best deals!
Night Sky
While in San Pedro make sure you take advantage of the low light pollution in the area. This is one of the best places in the world to look at the night sky. In town you can book a combination that usually includes wine and snacks while you look at the night sky with an expert in the field. San Pedro is host to some of the best astronomers in the world because of its unique characteristics. It’s absolutely insane!
Easter Island
If you have a little extra money, a trip to Easter Island is well worth it. This island full of “heads” called Moai, is one of a kind and offer an interesting history lesson on humanity and its ability to navigate the world.
Torres del Paine
Explore Torres del Paine National Park for some of the best hiking in the world. With snow-capped mountains and glacier lakes this special place gives you some of the most scenic and unforgettable views you can ever imagine!
Valparaiso
Valparaiso is a colourful coastal town with a bohemian vibe! This important Chilean city is great to explore on foot in its narrow streets admiring the architecture or on the historic funicular to enjoy a panoramic view.
Viña del Mar
For some of the best beaches in Chile, you cannot miss a stop in Viña del Mar. Just a short drive from Valparaiso, this place is great for some time on the beach or enjoying a nice meal on the boardwalk!
Explore Santiago
Head out and explore the capital of Chile, and take advantage of what the city has to offer. A modern city with plenty of museums, restaurants and bars as well as view points around the city for a majestic overview of the concrete jungle down below!
Budget for Chile
Chile is typically known as one of the more expensive countries in South America and for good reason. As a backpacker expect to spend between $40-50 per day here. This includes staying in dorms, eating local food and using local transportation. Smaller activities are also included. If you plan on visiting Easter Island you need to budget this as an extra cost, check our guide for more details!
Food
Chilean food is heavily influenced by seafood because of its coast. That being said meat is also a popular option, and you can find set menu lunches for around $7-8, but sometimes even less. Empanadas are found everywhere and a great way to fill up for a few bucks.
For places like Easter Island and some parts of Patagonia, expect higher prices as a result of being more remote locations.
Accommodation
For a bed in a dorm, expect to pay around $15 per night with some places that can go as low as $10. Sometimes this includes breakfast, and it’s common to have kitchen facilities for you to cook your own food. Tea is widely available as well.
On Easter Island, expect to pay at least $25 per night. If you are a group, consider getting an Airbnb.
Transportation
Chile, as a well developed country, has good options for domestic travel. Local buses and long distance ones in particular are very comfortable and an affordable option. Because of the distances in this long country, flying might be a better option as Chile offers cheap domestic flights. You can find flights as low as $50.
For Easter Island the only option is to fly, and can often be more than $1000 for a round trip. Check the prices in advance and try looking using the local sites in Spanish to get a lower price.
When to go
Between October and March is the best time to visit Chile for a warmer and dryer climate. If you go to ski, then the best time is during the Chilean winter between June and August. The winter is also a popular time for San Pedro de Atacama as winter time is also the dry season.
Safety
Chile is one of the safer places to visit in South America. Along the Gringo Trail you’ll find yourself in safer areas, with the exception of Santiago. Like any capital city in the world, be extra cautious of certain neighbourhoods and walking around at night time. By following a few precautions you will be find. Also never travel without travel insurance!
Safety Tips:
- Always have some cash at hand in case someone wants to rob you. Better to hand over a few notes than to be caught with nothing or lose your credit card.
- Always keep your valuables safely on you on night buses and never put your backpack in the overhead compartment.
- In large crowds be careful with your belongings. Things in your pocket can easily be taken, but also smaller backpacks, bum bags etc. Make sure you secure them to avoid pickpockets in these situations.
- Do not wander around alone at night in places you are not familiar with. If you have to, stick to well lit streets as much as possible. Preferable where there are more people. If you need to use your phone for maps, do it discreetly and never wave your phone or wealth around.
- Don’t wear flashy things and leave your expensive jewellery at home.
- Bring a padlock and use the lockers in hostels for all your valuables.
- Be careful with how much you drink, accepting drinks from others or the use of drugs. There are many stories out there, so try not to overdo anything unless you have people with you to take care of you.
By taking some precautions you will be fine in Chile, and come back with wonderful memories of this beautiful little paradise.
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to Chile? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn commission from products or services I recommend. For more, see disclosure.
